Maharashtra’s aim to kick-off civil construction of the 706-km Mumbai-Nagpur expressway by October likely to be delayed - here’s why?

With hurdles owing to corruption allegations against one of MSRDC’s officers, the Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communications Expressway is likely to be delayed. A pet project of the state chief minister, while the state was keen on commencing civil construction by October this year, reports reveal that the DPR is not yet ready and MSRDC is still on the first stage of bidding. The corporation recently extended the deadline for submitting bids for companies to complete paperwork. The new date is August 11.

While 27 bids for 16 construction packages have been received, only 100 companies were eligible, as reported. Hence, conditions were relaxed and fresh bids were called for the third time since January 2. News reports reveal that while evaluating the new bids will take a month, the DPR will be ready in the meanwhile, which is a prerequisite for floating bids.

What’s more, apart from technical challenges, the project is facing political challenges as well. Post officer Mopalwar’s suspension, Bhushan Gagrani, Managing Director, CIDCO, has been given the additional charge of MSRDC.